Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you charge?

A: We offer project pricing. The cost is determined by the size of the truck, how many labor hours are required and the supplies needed to meet your needs. AskLandis has a formula to determine this price. We will always provide our price in writing.

Q: Do I (client) get the tax write-off receipt or do you (AskLandis)?

A: The client always gets the tax write-off. We will donate your items to your favorite donation center. If not specified, we will donate to Goodwill Industries. You will be provided a detailed inventory list and the donation value with the tax write-off receipt.

Q: How do I (client) know if you're getting me the best price for my "stuff"?

A: AskLandis has a full time staff member whose time is dedicated to researching the current market value of items.

Q: How long does AskLandis store my items for free? What if my things never sell?

A: We will store your items for free for as long as it takes to sell. We sell to the public, private dealers, eBay or Craigslist, and we send items to auction. If it doesn't sell, we donate your items for you for the tax write-off.

Q: I have a practically brand new couch that is not stained. I bought it for $1,500.00 over a year ago. Can you sell it for that much?

A: No. Typically we try to sell items between 35%-40% of the original value. There is a tremendous amount of used furniture currently on the market. The value of used furniture has gone down, as has antiques. Big box furniture stores, such as Wal-Mart, World Market and some others are selling brand new furniture for less.

Q: Will selling all of my stuff pay for my invoice?

A: Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn’t. It’s difficult to be determined unless you have high ticket items. Typically if you are cleaning out a garage, basement or attic, it does not.

Q: What is the difference between what AskLandis does and an estate liquidator or auctioneer?

A: AskLandis offers an alternative by storing our client’s possessions at no charge until their items sell. We have a large network of buyers. In addition, we donate items, provide the tax write-off, remove the trash and will broom sweep your property. Auctioneers charge for set up and a percentage of sales, but do not dispose of the remaining items that don’t sell. We do not have "fire sales". We keep your items as long as we can to get market value prices. And, AskLandis does not invite the public into your house to sell items.

Q: Do I have to use your service all at one time?

A: No, you can use us in stages if you’d like. When we meet with you for the free consultation, we’ll both figure out a road map to best use our services.

Q: Is there a contract I have to sign?

A: There is no contract to sign. Typically emails are exchanged and when you (the client) agree to the estimate, responding to the email will create a verbal (and written) agreement between the two parties. AskLandis asks for a 50% deposit for each project.

Q: How long do I have to pay my invoice?

A: Invoices are due upon receipt at the end of the project.

Q: If my project lasts longer than a week, will you bill me all at once or each week?

A: Whichever is better for the client. We can discuss that once an agreement has been reached.

Q: Are your employees licensed, bonded, and insured?

A: Yes, all of our employees have had a background check and are bonded and insured. The business is licensed and carries liability insurance.

Q: I have a lot of old personal files. What should I do with them?

A: We'll take care of them. We'll bag them and mark them shred. They are transported in a locked car and secured in an office until they are destroyed. We offer free shredding to our clients, and we own the shredding truck and business.

Q: How do I know that something important won't be thrown away?

A: We go through every book, box, and bag to be sure there are no personal items in anything. By doing this, we have found important documents, cash, gold and silver coins, and stocks and bonds. We ask if you are looking for something specific so we can keep a closer eye for it.

Q: Do you have references who I can contact?

A: Yes, plenty of them. And we will provide references that relate to your project. All of our clients are confidential, unless willing to provide a reference.